Testing of Safety PLCs

Some of the confusion about testing may come from a difference of perspective between manufacturer and end user. To the manufacturer, diagnostics are the lifeblood of the logic solver (and the basis for system reliability claims) and any dangerous failures that are not detectable by diagnostics would be classified as “never detected” failures. From the user’s perspective, a manual proof test detects dangerous failures, whether derived from a hardware or software fault. SIS-TECH’s William Mostia discusses the differences in perspective and presents his conclusions. See more

SIS-TECH provides the most efficient way to utilize resources.

A propylene feed system project at a petrochemical plant was over budget. The project team’s engineer contacted SIS-TECH looking for a cost effective solution. See more

SIS-TECH webinar presentation:

Feb. 26, 2014, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT), Webinar: “Instrument Grounding and Shielding” – William (Bill) L. Mostia Jr., P.E., will present the basic principles of instrument grounding and shielding; providing simple rules for and discussion of what entails a good instrumentation grounding system and how to properly use shielding to minimize the effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) on your instrumentation and wiring. Additional information

SIS-TECH offers training:

Feb. 3, 2014, Instrumentation Technology - 3 day course will provide an in-depth introduction to instrument measurement in the petrochemical industry. The course is designed to provide process related personnel, with less than 5 years experience or who have had limited measurement experience, with a functional knowledge of instrumentation. Additional information

Feb. 18, 2014, TÜV Rheinland FSEng Training/Certification – 4 day course is designed to provide Technical and Management Professionals with an understanding of the relevant standards, books, and technical reports that define recognized and generally accepted good engineering practice for Safety Instrumented Systems in the Process Industry. Additional information

Mar. 25, 2014, SIS Implementation - 3 day course covers how risk analysis techniques, such as layer of protection analysis (LOPA), are used to identify the need for administrative and engineered safeguards. The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the management system, how to perform LOPA to identify the need for an SIS, how to design the SIS to meet the specified SIL, and how to verify that the SIL can be achieved. Additional information

Sep 30, 2013

Fall Newsletter

Safety Controls, Controls, Alarms, and Interlocks as IPLs

Angela E. Summers, PH.D., P.E.

This paper discusses the design, operation, maintenance, and testing practices necessary for SCAI to be considered as independent protection layers (IPL). It also provides guidance on claiming multiple layers of protection in the basic process control system. SCAI pdf

New Training Class – Industrial Instrument Technology

SIS-TECH expands its course curriculum by offering a new training class. Industrial Instrument Technology is a 3-day class which covers the diversity of measurement and control technologies, ancillary devices, signals, processes, sizing, selection, specification, and SIL devices used in industrial processes. Training Classes

Bill Mostia named ISA Fellow

SIS-TECH’s William (Bill) L. Mostia, Jr., P.E was recognized by Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) peers for his contributions in training, design and engineering for safety systems and was elevated to the distinguished grade of ISA Fellow. Bill Mostia

SIS-TECH delivered a SIL rated Diamond-SIS in 7 days

First quarter 2013 – Pete Fuller, Applications Advisor with SIS-TECH, received notice from a customer in the Oil & Gas industry that their site was in need of a Safety Instrumented System (SIS) for a barge loading operation with a very aggressive delivery date. SIS-TECH Delivers in 1 Week

Aug 8, 2012

Instrument Reliablity Network

Working in conjunction with the Mary Kay O’Connor Safety Center and Texas A&M University, SIS-TECH is working to form the IRN. The goal is to identify and disseminate information concerning the performance of instrumentation and controls in different applications, operating environments, and mechanical integrity programs. To share data and information for the improvement of instrumentation and controls reliability in the process sector. To develop qualified instrumentation and controls data for public distribution.

Aug 7, 2012

A Day with Angela

On Aug 7th Dr. Summers will host a one day conference here in our SIS-TECH offices. She will be speaking on What’s new with SIS, Distributed Safety Systems, and SIS Myth Busting.